Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXCEEDED

[JimmySTLOUIS]

Well I am home now from 10 days in Peru. I was not really able to post any while in Peru.

Many of you know my story and know that I went to see only one girl in Lima Peru. I had been writing and calling her for about 2 months. Expectations were VERY high for both of us. I met her through matchingsys.com  I am not really sure how to tell the whole story here but I will do my best.

We both really fell in love with each other without meeting. I though she was the sweetest girl in the world and super cute too. We had talked for over 100 hours on the phone and about 50 e-mails and tons of Yahoo messenger time. I though that she was very special early one and I decided to put all my eggs into one basket. We grew very close and talked about EVERYTHING. She speaks English and that to me is a big part of being able to
I am the kind of guy who really likes to put it all out there and this seemed like such a perfect girl for me. I had trouble finding anyone here in the US to really put their heart into a relationship with total trust, honesty, and openness.  I found all of the qualities I was looking for in the one girl.  I was afraid that maybe when we met there might not be any chemistry. I was staying with the family in an apartment next to theirs. I really went out on a limb with going this route (but it paid off BIG)

I am not too sure how to tell this story with out it sounding over dramatic or sappy. But I just have to say that my life has changed for the better and that this girl has tuned out to be the sweetest, most loving, caring, sincere girl I have ever met. She is not only all of this but she is very attractive, fun, easy going and super attractive.

From the moment we embraced and kissed at the airport I have felt like Brad Pitt winning the lottery.  This girl is everything I have been looking for and more. My super high expectations have been EXCEEDED.
I did not want to leave and I would get right back on a plane right now if I could and return to Lima. I have never cried so much in all of my life. I have never felt love like this before.

I am sure that I am leaving out most of the story. I am tired right now and I want to be back in her arms.

Te Amo Peru !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim

[Golden]

... in response to Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXC..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 6, 2003

An adventure and love story....thats how I feel about my relationship with my wife from Peru....its been 3 years sinc we first met, over two years of marriage ..We are still going strong. I wish you both the best! Now, your just begining..there is a lot ahead of you...and you'll enjoy the road ahead of you ....its your story and will be unique.....I look back with many fond memories and happy moments, yet some sad and tough moments too...but over all it has been a fairtale for us....i feel we have lived a lifetime in these past three years....its gone fast, as good times always do, ....so, are you getting married here ...there? civil for sure, but how about the church? I know.. Im nosey..ha ha ha....just giving you food for thought....Me, I got married in a civil ceremony there, then about 2 years later we got married in the church there ..uggg what a paper nightmare (since im not Catholic)...it was worse than the INS or what ever they call themselves these days......most guys here go the fiance visa route...most get an atty....then have a civil ceremony here within 90 days getting here.......both have pros and cons......ive seemed have gone a different route than most would, but either ways is ok....beside you can't go my route, unless you live there now..(things changed after 9/11)..but you can do a vereation of it ...you can still have a civil ceremony there and then fill out the paperwork and bring her here on an I 130 visa (spouse visa)..... the I 129 is the fiance visa)...but that takes a leap of faith most arent willing to do..it also takes knowing where to go and who to talk to ...or time.....which is one reason some dont...others prefered to get married civily here .where they know the system .....and some prefer to test drive too....there are a few different reasons why, and each person has their own reason why they pursue a certain route.....I liked my way,..I got married in a civil ceremony there beside the Pacific Ocean (down south of Lima) and her family was present for the brief ceremony where we signed and the witness signed and we put our thumb print on the marriage certificate ...it meant a LOT to her family and her...and I think it made them feel better about her taking off with someone they barely know so far away....well....food for thought...you have a lot of time...i would suggest you follow your heart and instinct..but think things through....dont rush...i would go see her again before i asked her to marry me...unless of course you alreayd have? ....your young...like me, so you have time....I went three times before I got married there, and about 10 months of talking and chatting...I wish you well on your journey

[QuitoMan]

... in response to Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXC..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 6, 2003

Congratulations on it all working out like a dream.

 From a couple of the earlier posts I know I was not the only one wondering how everything was going for you. There was most definitely an element of suspense in there as you did indeed put your neck on the line ( or so it seemed to us but probably not to you).

 Your case highlights, for me anyway, the value of starting off writing letters, trying to get something going from afar, and then finally meeting up to confirm the chemistry. It's more work and there is, with the best will in the world, many problems such as chicas being busy, time and distance issues, but your case and ( I seem to remember Jslo has connected with a great woman thru letter writing)
show that it is a viable option that can pay off big time.
 
Once again many congrats...Steve

[grant5432]

... in response to Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXC..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 6, 2003

Hello!
  Glad to hear you enjoyed Peru!  I will be in Lima for the third time in 6
months in a couple weeks.   I have only been to Lima and Miraflores and
never travelled outside that area.  I do love nice beaches, warm weather
and Hawaii so I'm interested in hearing more about Hotel Paracas and
Pisco.  Is it warmer there than in Miraflores?   What is the best way to get
there.  It would probably be too pricey if I took a taxi all the way there.  
Also, I don't think my friend is too fond of combis.  Thanks!

-Grant

[JimmySTLOUIS]

... in response to Re: Hotel Paracas, posted by grant5432 on Dec 8, 2003

Hi

It is always warmer in Pisco than Lima as far as I know. Its sunny there too. My girl got a tan there and she was proud of her tan lines(?).

THe beach there is only so so. The hotel Paracus has a great swimming pool and thats what we did most of the time. Each room also has a nice table area right outside the door of your room. I would get an ocean view room because they really are nicer. If you want to best room in the place get room 106. Its a suite that sits up on level and has the best views of the property. I will be getting this room for my Luna Meir.
There is a nice bus that goes from Liama to Pisco. My girls auntie lives in Pisco and travels back and forth. SHe owns an ice plant in Pisco and by thier standards has a little money.

The area around the hotel is not Hawaii. The Hotel Paracus grounds are very Hawaii like. They have great service (room service etc). The restaurant is nice too (pool side open dining). If you want more local food you can walk or take a taxi (for 50 cents) down the road to the public beach area. THe tour to the Nasca Lines and the tour to the Island with all the sea lions is well worth the $11 each.

You can check the weather in Pisco Peru and Lima Peru at weather.com

Te Amo Peru!

jim

[grant5432]

... in response to Re: Re: Hotel Paracas, posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 8, 2003

Thanks Jimmy!
  My Novia said she may want to travel someplace outside of Lima, and
I'm really not crazy about taking yet another plane flight so 3 hours by
bus might be okay.    I like warmer weather and it would be nice toget
away from Lima for awhile!

-Grant

[JimmySTLOUIS]

... in response to Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXC..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 6, 2003

Hi again

I just woke up from my first night back in St. Louis. Its cold here and my 2400 sq foot house seems even more lonely now. I look at my house and my cars and I dont care about any of it.

I feel like I have just had the best dream ever. Only this dream is real. I will look at the pictures from my trip about 20 times again today. I want nothing other than to return to Lima to be with mi bebe.
She is mi amor, mi vida, mi tesoro, mi corazon, my everything. When I look into her eyes I see nothing but love.

I want to thank everyone from this board for the advice and help. I also want to thank a "lurker" from this board who has given me tons of advice (that was 100 percent right on) off the board. Congrats my friend - you will be getting the best Christams present ever (Your Peruana).

I will post more about the city of Lima and Peru later. It hard to really tell you why I would like such a crazy rather nasty city like Lima. It kind of grows on you.
Its more about the people than the city. I cant wait to go back.

Think of Peru this way:

If you knew of a place that was really far away and often un pleasant - BUT you could go to this place and maybe dig around and find a HUGE PRICELESS DIAMOND worth more than money - would you go?
Would you want to look for this diamond?
What if this place was kinda crazy? What if you didnt even speak the language? What if this place was kinda dirty and smelled like bus fumes? What if there were tons of poor people?

Would you want to look for this diamond?
What if I told you that someone who looks hard enough WILL find this diamond?

What if I told you that not only will you find a Big Diamond but maybe you would find many smaller diamonds (family) in this place?

I have been to this place. I have found a BIG diamond and many many smaller diamonds as well.

Te Amo Peru!

jim

[Cali vet]

... in response to I just woke up - But my dream is real , posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 7, 2003

Jimmy if you want to practise Spanish and Spanish culture there's a group of Latinos from all over including Peru who meet every other Wednesday at Chevy's on Olive by the Innerbelt for dinner and Spanish conversation etc at 7:30PM. If you ask the waitresses at Chevy's they can tell you when the next meeting is. Students of Spanish are most are welcome.

[John O]

... in response to I just woke up - But my dream is real , posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 7, 2003

Congratulations! I remember feeling the exact same way when I met my penpal in Bogota 6 years ago. After one long look and an even longer embrace, I actually pumped my fist and shouted YES! in the middle of El Dorado airport.

Her family were also great & liked me a lot. I'd planned on staying in a hotel, but Papa took a good look at me and announced, "He's staying with us." Marcela & I got along super and were talking wedding bells before the end of my visit.

I could hardly wait for her to get to Miami on her visa. Our next visit was different, however. She had cooled toward me & our planned marriage. She was now full of doubts. Even her brother & sister there weren't as nice to me as her family in Bogota; reflecting her own uncertainty, I'm sure.

By the end of the trip, she broke up with me. Each time I asked why, she gave me a different reason. But it all came down to her "inestabilidad," a quality she'd conveniently neglected to mention before. Turned out she'd cut & run on 2 longtime colombiano suitors before me. Eventually, she ended up with a Puerto Rican guy, & we lost touch.

Marcela was everything I'd dreamed about; losing her was heartbreaking. I got past it, but never really over it. Hopefully, you'll have better luck than I did. And hopefully, I'll my dreams will finally become reality on my next trip this month.

Good luck to you and to all fellow seekers & dreamers!

[greg]

... in response to I just woke up - But my dream is real , posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 7, 2003

most Listers are much older. At your young age, You shouldn't have any plms getting any Foreigner. You need to take your time, no need to Rush.

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to Hi Jim, Your only 36??, posted by greg on Dec 7, 2003

As I remember his novia is pretty young, too.  If she's around 20 he's still pushing the envelope.  Not in Peru, but when she gets here.  Guys are hitting on my wife day after day and she's about 29.  Imagine what awaits Jimmy if his girlfriend is around 20 and very cute.  She has to want you in a big way.

Steve

[QuitoMan]

... in response to Re: Hi Jim, Your only 36??, posted by DallasSteve2 on Dec 7, 2003

Hi Steve,

 Many Latinas will be used to a much more unpleasant form of being hit on that is outlawed in the North America and Europe - that of sexual discrimination.

 My sister-in-law, Jacky P, on the site, is out of work right now but desperately wants a job so she can pay to start her university. Just the other day she got accepted as a secretary working for a senior government official.
She lasted one day as she gave him the stiff middle finger when he asked her out for a meal and to dance - she knew where that one was going. She knows what she wants but she has her principles.

 Many Latin women will stay with you for life as long as there is this magic thing called LOVE - even if they are getting hit on every day. As long as things are good they will dismiss the other guys - but if the love was never there or things change (sex goes downhill, you change on her) thats when they have doubts.

Of course this board talks about Latinas as if they all think and feel the same way. Its not for nothing that down here I often see many old fat and rich Latinos with beautiful model like girls on their arms - same in LA as USA or over the World. Whats the difference? Some women are principled and others aint. Some men got money others don't.

Steve
www.latin-women-gold.com

[zack]

... in response to Trip Report Peru - High Expectations EXC..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 6, 2003

Jim,

Congratulations! You are a lucky man to find this kind of love, not to mention a woman who is more than what you are looking for. Despite this I would still give it more time and not rush into marriage. I don't know what your plans are, but two months is not enough time in my opinion, especially if you have actually been with her for only ten days. Regardless, Best of luck to you both and I wish you many years of happiness.

Zack

[JimmySTLOUIS]

... in response to Re: Trip Report Peru - High Expectations..., posted by zack on Dec 7, 2003

Zack
Thanks for the kind words.

I know 2 months is not a long time. I also know that I have HUGE hils to climb. I have stars in my eyes but I am 36 and I can see past some of it

I want to try and explain why 2 months and 10 days with this girl feels more like a year or two of dating with an AW.
Here it seems like everyone always had their guard up while dating or even talking. No one wants to take a chance and put EVERYTHING about them on the line when dating. Its natural to hold back a lot of things for fear of rejection. I have dated women who have told me that they would never really put EVERYTHING on the line. Too many people have become bitter and want to find someone that they can tolerate (not really love). So many people here want to find someone who "make them a better perosn" or "inspire them to try new things". HUH? What is all of that? Go read the Yahoo Personals for 35-40 year old American Women.

Falling in Love in the US seems to be out of style. Its more about who can get the guy with the most money or the best looks. Try to find someone who wants to talk about feelings or love.

What I am saying is that in 2 months and 10 days with a more simple and loving Peruana you can go way deeper into things. Remember my girl speaks English so communication is good.
When you get down to it - what is Love anyway?
To me its about two people saying - here I am - ALL of me - do you like what I am and who I am? - I want to love and be loved - lets enjoy life together.

BOTH people have to really open their hearts and minds.

I know that only time will tell if our love is true.
But what a way to start!

Te Amo Peru!

jim

[zack]

... in response to Re: Re: Trip Report Peru - High Expectat..., posted by JimmySTLOUIS on Dec 7, 2003

Jim,

I know what you mean about the Yahoo personals, or any internet personal for that matter.  A common profile for a woman in her thirties is "I love a man with long hair and tattoos." No thanks.

Yes, falling in love in the US does seem to be out of style. It has almost become a game, a race to see who can find the best looking man with the most money in the shortest amount of time. Kind-heartedness and openness are lower on the list. A man often feels like he can't even be himself.

The fact that your novia speaks English is obviously a huge plus. I agree with your definition of love. I think what you both have is awesome. Just remember that for a marriage to last a lifetime it takes more than just love. It takes compatability- do you both have the same interests.

Is there a marriage date set? Best of luck and keep us posted.

Zack